Night time vs Day time behavior...

[greg728]

I've noticed a big difference in my snakes behavior between day time & at night. I know my BP's nocturnal, but I'm noticing a recent change in his night time activity. He's always been more active at night, but over the past few weeks he's been very "stropy" lately at night when I go to handle him. I haven't been over-handling him either, so I was just curious if this is normal. He's probably about 6 months old, and I understand they're a little more aggressive when younger. How long does this stage usually last??

[sarahlovesmiike]

He's always been more active at night, but over the past few weeks he's been very "stropy" lately at night when I go to handle him.

Perhaps you could rephrase, because we have no clue what you're talking about.

[greg728]

Sorry...

lately at night time he's been real grumpy...

[Vypyrz]

Perhaps you could rephrase, because we have no clue what you're talking about.

I believe his snake has been more grumpier at night than usual. As long as nothing has changed in the tank, my first 2 thoughts are 1) going into shed or 2) Maybe still hungry. Look at the prey size you are feeding. Is it still appropriate, or maybe it's time to bump up the size...

[greg728]

Thanks! I'm feeding him small mice F/T right now. He has eaten for me every time so far (I think 4 or 5 times?). I'm feeding him once a week at the moment. He has grown maybe an inch or two at most since I got him 2 months ago, and his girth has definately increased a bit too. I have 2 more small mice left, and I was going to increase prey size after he finishes that. Nothing has changed in the tank as far as temp, humidity, ect... He hasn't bit me or attempted to, but I'm sure if I accidently moved my finger in front of his face when I handle him at night, he would most likely have attempted to. During the day he seems fine, it's just night time that he's been very "stand-off-ish".

[maverickgtr]

You could try offering the two small mice you have left. Our full size male bp [6ft] is a strict mouser so he usually eats two adult mice [the biggest the pet store has available] and he takes them both with no problem and hasn't ever refused the second. Idk how big your snake is and how big the mice are, but offering both might be an option if he's not too small. Though depending on his size, if he eats both, I'd extend the time between his next feed. Worst case, he refuses the second and you have to dispose of it.

[bpqueen]

I would probably also guess shed. The first time that mine shed since I've had him he got very aggressive and grumpy about 3 days before I noticed that his belly had started to turn pink. He was done shedding less than 2 weeks later.

[greg728]

He actually just shed a week ago! Weird...